DeFi

Mezo (MEZO) is a BitcoinFi protocol built on the Bitcoin ecosystem that allows users to generate stable assets, such as MUSD, by collateralizing BTC. This enables liquidity without selling Bitcoin. The system adopts a dual-token model (BTC + MEZO) and integrates cross-chain mechanisms, such as tBTC, along with an EVM-compatible environment, allowing BTC to participate in on-chain financial activities like lending and stablecoin issuance. Its core objective is to introduce programmable financial capabilities while preserving Bitcoin’s security.

Mezo operates by converting BTC into an on-chain asset through cross-chain mechanisms such as tBTC, then using it as collateral to mint the stablecoin MUSD. Users can deploy these stable assets in on-chain financial activities, while the system maintains stability through collateral ratios and liquidation mechanisms. The full process includes BTC collateralization, stablecoin minting, capital utilization, and risk management with liquidation, allowing Bitcoin to become a productive asset within DeFi.

Mezo’s yield mechanism is built on a capital cycle driven by BTC collateral and the stablecoin MUSD. Users deposit BTC as collateral to mint MUSD, which can then be used for lending, trading, or providing liquidity to earn returns. Through interest rate mechanisms, stablecoin demand, and protocol incentives, value circulates within the system, transforming Bitcoin from a passive store of value into a productive asset that can participate in DeFi.

USDS is a decentralized stablecoin launched by Sky Protocol as an upgraded version of DAI. It maintains its peg to the US dollar through overcollateralization and liquidation mechanisms, while supporting 1:1 conversion with DAI. Compared to DAI, USDS introduces improvements in incentive design, yield integration, and ecosystem scalability, making it a more composable stable asset within DeFi.

Blockchain risk management firm Chaos Labs has announced it will end its three-year role as a core contributor to the Aave ecosystem. The team cited fundamental disagreements over risk management philosophy and protocol development direction, along with ongoing operational pressures and sustained losses, as reasons for its decision to log out. This development has reignited debate in the marketplace about the relationship between DeFi protocol governance and business models.

Venus Protocol is a decentralized finance protocol built on the BNB Chain. By integrating crypto asset lending with stablecoin issuance, it brings deposits, collateralized borrowing, and liquidity creation into a single on-chain system, shifting capital management from fragmented operations to a unified framework.

Venus is a DeFi lending protocol powered by smart contracts. By combining vTokens, overcollateralization, and a dynamic interest rate model, it creates a closed-loop system for on-chain capital flow. This article explains its lending process, interest model, and risk management mechanisms.

Core Pool and Isolated Pool form a dual-layer liquidity structure within the Venus lending system. By separating mainstream assets from higher-risk assets into different pools, the design achieves both concentrated liquidity and effective risk isolation.

VAI is a decentralized stablecoin launched by Venus Protocol. It maintains a 1:1 peg to the US dollar through overcollateralization and on-chain adjustment mechanisms, allowing a stable unit of value to be created and circulated entirely on-chain without relying on centralized reserves.

The risk control system in Venus Protocol is an on-chain protective framework built around loan-to-value ratios (LTV), liquidation mechanisms, and a risk fund. Its core objective is to maintain the solvency of borrowing positions and safeguard the overall liquidity pool in a highly volatile crypto environment.

Both Unitas and Ethena are yield-generating stablecoin protocols built on Delta Neutral strategies, but their core difference lies in how they achieve this. Unitas primarily relies on liquidity pools and structured strategies to earn trading fees and liquidity rewards, while Ethena uses spot assets paired with short perpetual contracts, deriving yield from funding rates and staking returns. Because their underlying assets and strategic approaches differ, the two protocols exhibit distinct characteristics in risk structure, stability mechanisms, and user experience.

The rise of Hyperliquid, the launch of the TradFi section on Gate, and the parallel expansion of CEX and on-chain perpetuals are driving Perp DEX from crypto derivatives toward multi-asset trading. This article explores how, in 2026, on-chain perpetuals will define new boundaries among users, liquidity, and TradFi assets.

World Liberty Financial (WLFI) has announced a partnership with Aster DEX, with plans to introduce the Stablecoin USD1 as the settlement asset for TradFi Perpetual Futures on their decentralized trading platform. This integration offers traders new ways to use USD1 and further expands its applications within the DeFi marketplace.

With the ongoing growth of the Solana ecosystem, security concerns are becoming more critical. In response, the Solana Foundation has launched several new security programs, such as the STRIDE security framework and the SIRN incident response network. Additionally, developers are being offered security tools and support to strengthen the ecosystem's overall defense and transparency.

Over the past week, markets saw heightened volatility driven by recurring geopolitical tensions and stronger than expected economic data. Shifting signals from the United States and Iran pushed oil prices higher, with WTI rising more than 7% on the week. Solid retail sales, ISM readings, and nonfarm payrolls supported a rebound in equities, while precious metals reached new highs. Crypto assets moved in line with improving risk appetite, with Bitcoin approaching the $70k resistance level. On the flow side, BTC ETFs recorded modest weekly net inflows of about $22.3 million, an improvement from the prior week but still limited, while ETH ETFs continued to see net outflows. Quarter end rebalancing and holiday effects led to quick reversals after initial inflows. On chain and trading activity concentrated in oil and precious metals, DEX structure reshuffled, and Meteora volumes increased significantly. Stablecoin supply remained elevated, with USDC edging lower while DAI and USDS absorbed incremental flows, and A